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Creating a Peace Corner |
We all know the benefits derived from having a place to go that brings calm and respite to us when
we are feeling stressed, anxious, or overburdened. Creating a sanctuary in the classroom to serve
these needs in children is easy to do, and need not take up a great deal of space. Consider the
following:
Location
Choose the quietest, least interrupted area of your room. A peace area functions best when other
children do not have to walk through it to get to another area. It is also helpful if the peace area is
setup so the child faces away from the classroom activity (towards a wall). Some options are:
• In a corner
• Near a window
• Directly outside of the classroom
• Facing a wall
Furniture
A table and chair will do the trick, but if you have access to a low window with a nice view, you
won’t even need a table. A small rocking chair, a blanket, and a beautiful window view makes a
simple peaceful respite.
• Large Floor Pillows
• A Chair
• A Small Table
• A Shelf (To display peace activities/materials)
Materials/Activities
Here are a few ideas for Peace Corner activities:
• A Zen rock garden (The children arrange the stones and rack paths in the sand.)
• A Japanese Brush Painting Board (I set mine on a heavy duty easel.)
(Available from Montessori Services catalog.)
• A sand timer
• A fish bowl
• A peace book
• A fresh flower
• Yoga cards
• Breathing Exercise Cards
• Mandala Peace Ring
• Battery operated candle that changes color
• Binoculars (Nice to have if your peace area is near a window.)
• Individual Silence Game
Materials
A small pretty rug, a doily or small tray, a sand timer, and a handmade card on which the word,
SILENCE has been beautifully written, a basket to place it all in. Organize the materials in the basket.
Demonstrate for the children how they can lay out the rug, place the timer on the doily or tray, set
out the card (an extra reminder to others not to disturb the user) and sit upon the rug making silence.
